“We can’t afford to go into the danger zone” – Charlton boss Lee Bowyer would love to play key man more

Lee Bowyer says he would love to play Chuks Aneke more – but the top priority is to keep the Charlton striker fit.

Tuesday’s night’s 4-2 defeat at Burton Albion was largely lacking many positive moments for the Addicks. But Aneke’s superb acrobatic finish in the second half certainly fell into that category.

Bowyer was unhappy with the performance of Omar Bogle and brought on the former Milton Keynes man just after the half-hour mark.

Aneke has had his injury issues since joining Charlton before the start of last season. All five of his goals this season have been as a substitute.

“It is the longest Chuks has been fit since he has been here,” said Bowyer. “He’s one we definitely need to look after.

“He makes the difference when he comes off the bench – a big difference. You want to play him and start him, because he’s very good. But at the same time we have to make sure we can have him for every game. That’s more important. If we lose him for a month it is going to be even harder for us to win games.

“We’re trying to do the right thing with him. Could he get another 60 or 70 minutes on Saturday by starting? That’s a discussion I’ll have with the medical team. Would I like to? Of course I would.

“After Saturday I wanted to start him but when we get to the 60-minute mark it becomes what the sports science describe as the danger zone, because his body doesn’t handle it as well as others. That’s why we have to manage his minutes.”

PHOTO: KEITH GILLARD